Cheeses made from raw or "unpasteurized" milk can contain bacteria that might make your baby sick — even before he's born.

You can help keep your baby safe by avoiding cheeses made from unpasteurized milk. Here's what you need to know:

"Queso Fresco" is a Mexican-style soft cheese that is sometimes made with unpasteurized milk. Many types of cheeses can be made "Queso Fresco" style — including Queso Fresco, Panela, Asadero, and Queso Blanco.

Unpasteurized cheeses are often sold door-to-door, at flea markets, from the back of trucks, or brought into the U.S. from Mexico or Central America.

Before eating any of these soft Mexican-style cheeses, read the label to make sure it says "Made from Pasteurized Milk," or "Pasteurized." If it doesn't — do not eat the cheese.

If you think you may have eaten contaminated cheese while pregnant, call your doctor or clinic.

What Does "Pasteurized" Mean?

Pasteurized means that a food, like milk, is heated at a processing plant to kill bacteria.

Unpasteurized (raw) milk has not been heated at a processing plant, and may contain dangerous bacteria that can hurt or kill your unborn baby – even if you don't feel sick!

Eating Cheeses Made From Unpasteurized Milk Can Cause Listeriosis

This dangerous disease can cause birth defects and other serious problems — even the death of your baby.

Cheese Made From Unpasteurized Milk Can Cause Other Diseases, Too

These have been known to include:

Tuberculosis

Salmonellosis

Brucellosis

Help Keep Your Unborn Baby Safe. Do not eat Queso Fresco-style cheeses made with unpasteurized milk!